Jennifer Rae Gravely

Persephone might be named for the Goddess of the Dead, but in little Rose’s eyes she’s a queen who needs saving by a valiant knight. Rose’s father, Mark, seems set to be that knight when he finds Persephone working at the church daycare center and asks her to babysit. But there’s a reason Persephone doesn’t want Mark to drive her home, and there are reasons she’s unsure about beginning a relationship. With so much baggage, most of it in the back of her broken-down car, Persephone can’t believe she’d be anyone’s favorite catch.

Good fortune and bad follow Persephone. Her church employers lack foresight and empathy, but desperation leads her to a night club where kindness hints at genuine faith and the breath of life. Add lawyers, danger, a nicely-timed touch of mystery, and failed communications that never stay broken long enough to fray, and you’ll get the flavor of this fast-moving, unconventional romance.

The story’s sweet, quickly-read, mildly sensual, and gently scary when things go wrong. The blend of worlds, rich and poor, is intriguing, and if romance blooms a little faster than real life demands, well, it’s fiction and it’s fun--an entertaining read for a cold dark night.

Disclosure: I won an ecopy on a blog.… (altro)

Reviewed by: Robin
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I often have the habit of choosing books by the title and not even reading what the story is about as I did with this book. I was expecting something to do with paranormal activity. Boy was I surprised. All in all I rather enjoyed this book. Have you ever had one of those days where everything goes wrong? Better yet one of those weeks, months or even years where you wished you could just start all over again. Have you tried to turn your luck around only for it to kick you in the butt again and again? I guess when life throws you limes you make a margarita. Well, okay Persephone (maiden of spring in mythology) you would think with her name alone that she would have hope. But, things just go from bad to worse.

My heart goes out to this poor girl because I have had one of those years. Funny how sometimes you pick up a book and it mirror images your life somewhat. Persephone just needs someone to show her that they care. Evicted, job loss; homeless…well okay things weren’t that bad for me. Trying to find the money Persephone ends up finding a great little girl in Rose who along with her rather handsome father Mark comes into Persephone life helping to change her luck.

I loved this well written story with all the loveable characters good and bad. There were times I wanted to climb into the book and give Persephone a hug just to let her know things would work out. Along with the bad luck the story seemed at times predictable but quickly it changed and left you wondering.

Things heat up…but before they do a lot happens. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, with all the zany characters. I couldn’t help falling in love with the idea of Persephone, Mark and Rose becoming a family despite the odds. And how as a new family/relationship emerges friends are found in the unlikeliest of places letting you know you can’t judge people by their jobs or lifestyles. It was a light read and easy to curl up with, getting lost in the story itself. I enjoyed the slow light relationship between Persephone and Mark as they were more intent on becoming a family and including Rose in everything. Makes it all seem more real life. I can’t wait for Ms. Gravely’s next book.… (altro)